Sivasagar bans drones ahead of celebrations

Dibrugarh: In a move to ensure public safety and security ahead of Republic Day celebrations, the Sivasagar district administration on Tuesday imposed a blanket ban on the use of drones and other aerial platforms across the district on Sunday and Monday.The order, issued by district magistrate Mridul Yadav, under Section 163 of the BNSS, 2023, designates a 2-km radius around all official functions, parade grounds and public gatherings as restricted zones.“Enhanced precautionary measures are necessary to prevent any potential threat to public safety and order during Republic Day celebrations. The use of unauthorised aerial platforms could compromise security,” he said.The order, however, exempts aerial platforms deployed by the Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Forces and the Assam Police for surveillance and operational purposes. Any other agency, wishing to use such devices must obtain written permission from the DM.The prohibition covers operation, flying and even possession in public places of unmanned aerial vehicles, remotely piloted aircraft systems, para-gliders, hot air balloons, and other remote-controlled aerial devices.